Creek Partners

Menu

India

A Land of Opporunity

India's Rich Tapestry

India is a remarkably diverse country comprised of 28 states and 5 union territories1. As you traverse the vast expanse of India, you’ll encounter a kaleidoscope of landscapes, climates, cultures, and languages – astonishingly, there are over 7002 of them! From the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches in the south, and from the Thar Desert in the west to the lush rainforests in the east, India offers a sensory overload of experiences. Each state and union territory has its own unique identity, with distinct traditions, cuisines, and art forms. This rich tapestry of diversity is what makes India such a fascinating and captivating country.

More Than Just Numbers

India is more than just a travel destination with a rich cultural heritage – it’s a land of immense opportunity. While many are aware of India’s potential, I’d like to highlight some key factors that make it an attractive prospect for investors, while also acknowledging some of the challenges that persist.

Economy and Population

India’s Economic Surge: A Global Powerhouse in the Making

4th Largest3
Economy Today

Fastest-growing major economy in the world Set to become 3rd largest in the coming years

GDP Per Capital
on the Rise

From $2,8803 to $4,5003 in just 5 years
Surge in consumer demand and employment opportunities

Population
Power

Total population: 1.44 Billion4
Youth-dominated: Median age of 285
Working-age population: 994 Million6
Internet users: 806 Million7

A Digital & Dynamic
Workforce

Largest youth population globally
Fueling innovation and productivity
A hotbed for tech talent and entrepreneurship

Global
Workforce Leader

By 2035, 1 in 4 workers globally will be Indian
India will comprise 25%8 of the world’s
workforce

The India
Opportunity

Now is the time to invest, innovate,
and grow with India.

India’s Unconventional Growth Path

India’s growth story is unique. Its scale, demographics, domestic demand, and thriving service sector differentiate it from other economies. India is forging its own path, and comparisons to other countries, like China, hinder understanding of the opportunities in the Indian market.

While growth may be gradual and uneven due to India’s democratic federalism, it’s driven by deeply structural factors, making it sustainable in the long run. Unlike typical developing economies where manufacturing and exports drive growth before services take over, India has seen a significant and early shift towards the services sector. This uniqueness, coupled with a young and vibrant workforce, positions India for a future driven by internal demand and services.

Risks and Challenges

Structural Reforms Of course, every opportunity comes with its challenges, and India is no exception. The country’s bureaucracy can be daunting, and there’s still a need for reforms in areas like land, labour, legal, and tax policies to keep the growth rate going strong. But India is tackling these issues head-on. In recent years, it’s made some serious strides, jumping a whopping 67 ranks in just 3 years on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index to reach 63rd place9. This shows India’s commitment to making the necessary changes to attract investment and keep the economy on a sustainable path.

Unskilled Workforce
While India’s workforce is massive, businesses operating there often point to a lack of skilled labour as a major hurdle. To harness the potential of India’s young population, upskilling is essential. That means focusing on quality vocational training, reforming the labour market, and using technology like AI to boost education standards. India is already taking steps to address this, with initiatives like the Skill India Mission, aiming to provide top-notch vocational training to 40010 million people. Additionally, the AI Centre of Excellence in Education is working to personalise learning, enhance teacher training, and improve assessment systems. There are also five new national centres dedicated to skilling people in AI, robotics, and cybersecurity. It’s all about ensuring that India’s workforce is ready to drive the country’s future growth.

India's Entrepreneurial Spirit: Driving Growth and Innovation

India’s entrepreneurial landscape is vibrant and rapidly expanding, boasting the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem and the second-fastest growth rate. This dynamism is fueled by an infectious entrepreneurial spirit and a knack for “Jugaad” – resourceful problem-solving – evident across various sectors. India’s innovation spans a wide array of fields:

Financial Inclusion: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a low-cost instant payment system that has revolutionised financial accessibility.

Logistics: Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft are poised to transform the logistics sector.

Consumer-tech: Entrepreneurs are leveraging AI and data analytics to gain deeper insights into consumer behaviour and preferences, enabling them to tailor products and services to meet the specific needs of the Indian market.

Renewable Energy: Battery technology innovations are addressing the reusability and recycling of old EV batteries.

Artificial Intelligence: India is committed to developing its own AI infrastructure and a large language model.

Connectivity: Research into 6G wireless internet is shaping the future of connectivity.

Diverse Backgrounds,
Shared Ambition

India’s entrepreneurial spirit thrives in individuals from all walks of life. From tech-savvy innovators with global experience to resourceful problem-solvers navigating local challenges, the common thread is a drive to create value and seize opportunities. This diversity of backgrounds and approaches fuels India’s dynamic growth and innovation.

Ravi Bulusu: From Silicon Valley to India's Tech Frontier

Ravi Bulusu, a master’s graduate from Texas Austin, boasts a rich career in electronics, smartphones, and mobility. Starting at Intel in 1998, he later joined PortalPlayer, where he played a key role in designing the first four generations of iPods. He even served as chief designer for the third and fourth-generation iPods.

After PortalPlayer’s acquisition by Nvidia in 2006, Ravi continued his innovative work, designing smartphone generations and Android smart platforms. His focus eventually shifted to AI and connected Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) platforms, leading him to head the architecture for Tesla’s initial In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) and ADAS platforms.

Driven by a vision to apply his expertise to India’s challenges, Ravi returned in 2011. While still at Nvidia, he co-founded Onmobile (now Enmovil) in 2016, focusing on connected commercial vehicles and leveraging technology for logistics and supply chain optimisation.

Ravi’s journey demonstrates the trend of skilled professionals returning to India, driven by the desire to create tangible impact and contribute to India’s thriving tech ecosystem. His story underscores India’s potential as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Vishnu: Delhi-NCR Taxi Service Provider

Vishnu provides taxi services in Delhi-NCR. His story illustrates the untapped potential in rural India. Originally from a village in UP, he was forced to migrate to Delhi due to limited opportunities back home and the responsibilities he had to shoulder, being the eldest son.

But what struck us most wasn’t just his journey – it was his business acumen:

Detailed P&L understanding - he rationalised why he rents vehicles that he drives instead of buying them (even though he can afford to).

Premium customer experience - from the perfect fragrance to thoughtfully stocked amenities and a delightful selection of “restaurant-like instrumental music”. Immaculate vehicle maintenance demonstrates pride in service.

Clear growth vision – outlining how he wants to expand the fleet and team, moving from currently managing it himself.

Vishnu dreams of eventually returning to his village. “If I could run the business there, I would go back tomorrow,” he said. He wants to create jobs for local youth who, like him, might otherwise need to leave their families behind.

Vishnu’s story illustrates how the entrepreneurial spirit can thrive in individuals from all walks of life. Despite his rural background and limited formal education, he demonstrates the drive, resourcefulness, and ambition to succeed. His journey highlights the untapped potential in rural India and showcases the diversity of backgrounds that contribute to India’s dynamic growth and innovation.

Creek Partners: Bridging the Gap for Australian Investors

Creek Partners was founded by my business partner, Akshay Chakrapani and me to connect Australian investors with India’s vibrant venture capital scene. We aim to offer exclusive access to top-tier Indian fund managers that we believe are shaping India’s future. Our deep understanding of the Indian market, strong relationships, and local expertise aim to enable us to provide a seamless and transparent investment experience.

Our strategy is built on three pillars:

Macroeconomic Insight: We leverage in-depth research and analysis with the aim to to capitalise on India's long-term growth trajectory.

Premier Partnerships: We collaborate with the best Indian fund managers to ensure access to high-quality deals and expert portfolio management.

Local Expertise: We believe our experience in the Australian wealth management landscape ensures compliance and efficiency.

We believe India’s potential is immense. Its rapidly growing economy, young and dynamic workforce, and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem present a compelling opportunity for Australian investors. At Creek Partners, we aim to guide you on this exciting journey.

About the Author

G’day, I’m Chirag. While I’m an Australian citizen, my roots trace back to India, a land that’s close to my heart. I have a superstar wife and two surprisingly cute boys. I dream of adopting a dog one day, but my wife isn’t convinced. I’ll leave that negotiation to my youngest! You’ll find me cheering for the men in blue on the cricket pitch, even when they’re up against Australia – some stereotypes are just too true to deny!

Professionally, I’ve spent almost two decades in the Australian wealth and funds management industry, with a CFA designation and a Chartered Accountancy qualification from India. My background and experience have given me a unique perspective on India’s potential, which I’m excited to share with you.

Citations:

  1. knowindia.india.gov.in
  2. education.gov.in
  3. International Monetory Fund
  4. Statista.com – Countries with the largest population 2025
  5. Worldometers.info
  6. International Economic Association – India’s Population Surpasses China, But Challenges Await in Workforce Expansion: A Deep Dive
  7. Statista.com – Number of internet users in selected countries
  8. Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – An India Economic Strategy to 2035
  9. World Bank – Ease of doing business ranking – https://archive.doingbusiness.org/en/rankings
  10. Skill India Mission | India Brand Equity Forum (IBEF) – https://www.ibef.org/government-schemes/skill-india